Aftercare | Surgery for shoulder arthrosis

Aftercare

The goal of the operation is to achieve freedom from pain in the shoulder, as well as improved mobility, so that the shoulder can be fully regained in everyday life. Shortly after the operation, the shoulder is immobilized with a stabilizing shoulder splint so that the healing process can begin. However, the first small and careful movements with the shoulder are practiced as soon as possible in order to regain the mobility of the shoulder soon.

Initially, the movement exercises are performed passively (by a therapist or passive motorized splints). Only after two to four weeks (depending on the operation) can the patient actively participate in the physiotherapy exercises. If an artificial shoulder prosthesis has been fitted, it is necessary to immobilize the shoulder completely for about four weeks. After that, movement exercises are performed slowly and progressively, and after another two weeks it should be possible to spread the arms by 60 degrees and tilt the shoulder forward. The entire post-treatment phase usually takes about 12 to 16 weeks.

Which patients benefit from shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery is often delayed with conservative treatment methods. This is because, similar to other joint prostheses, the durability of the prostheses is at best 10 years. Young people in particular are therefore recommended to delay arthrosis conservatively and to wait a long time before having a prosthesis operation.

However, many of those affected suffer greatly from the pain and restricted mobility associated with advanced shoulder arthrosis. They benefit from a shoulder prosthesis in most cases. The most important prerequisites are reasonably strong muscles, good blood circulation and stable bone conditions.

Fresh fractures or osteoporosis make it very difficult for the prosthesis to anchor itself in the bone. It is also not advisable to use a prosthesis if the arm muscles are weak or paralyzed. In this case a stiffening is more likely to be necessary.

Alternatives to surgery

Shoulder arthrosis can sometimes be treated (conservatively) without surgery. This treatment option depends on the course of the disease, symptoms and the disease mechanism. Various physiotherapeutic exercises, drug therapy or other treatment methods can be considered.

Especially in the case of shoulder arthrosis, conservative treatment can often be sufficient to positively influence the course of the disease and alleviate symptoms. For this reason, surgery for shoulder arthrosis is only indicated in selected cases. Non-operative therapy for shoulder arthrosis is particularly suitable if the disease begins slowly and gradually.

The earlier individual treatment is started, the easier shoulder arthrosis can be managed in the long term. Healing of shoulder arthrosis cannot be achieved by conservative therapy. However, treatment methods can achieve pain relief, maintenance and improvement of joint mobility and muscle strengthening.In this way, the function of the shoulder can be maintained and the progression of shoulder arthrosis slowed down.

Therapeutic options include a shoulder splint (orthosis), cold therapy (cryotherapy), physical therapy, curative current applications or shock wave treatments. In addition, medication can be injected into the shoulder joint and anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs can be administered. The affected person should learn to regulate movements and loads on the shoulder joint and to adapt their behavior to the disease. For example, contact and throwing sports or activities with high leverage, such as golf or tennis, should be avoided.

• Shoulder Arthrosis
• Shoulder prosthesis
• Inverse shoulder prosthesis
• Chondroprotectives
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder
• Cartilage smoothing